Menu

“I don’t care who you are unless I am
interested in what you can do”, says the philosopher. And that is the problem
with the classic CV.

We make a huge mistake
in drawing up our CV about ourselves, explaining who we are, what studies we have
made…without realizing that we don’t really matter for others unless we catch
their attention. And you catch their attention if you are able to show that you
can cover the others’ needs.

Unless you demonstrate
value for others, what you did is no longer of importance. It’s just pleasing
for your ego, but not for others. Remember that your ego does not fill the needs
of others by itself.

For that reason, I
propose we move away from the former CV approach, which is only a compilation
of what you did in the past; just a pile of knowledge rocks talking
monotonously about your yesterdays. There is a strong possibility your past is
just not so useful any more.

It’s time to move
forward. I like the quote that says “in times of rapid change, experience could
be your worst enemy” (J. Paul Getty). A traditional CV is only a look to the
past, not a guide to show what you are able to do in the future. Get rid of
your old CV structure and focus on building your own portfolio of products to
be become your real Personal Value Proposition. Show me your value, not your cost.
Show me your future, not your past.

I love the philosophy:
already done; already paid; already forgotten. So don’t come to me talking
about how great you’ve been doing. I want to know what you can do for me today
and tomorrow.

Companies already know your
cost. Your challenge is showing them the value you will generate to compensate
that cost.

So, the next time you
present yourself in front of a new person; in front of a new company; in front
of a new challenge, wherever, whenever…remember to do it thinking of the other,
not about yourself. It’s not about you. You are the best sales rep when you present
yourself as someone who can cover my needs.

Next time we meet, show
me the portfolio of your products. Show me the value of your brand.